My student day out in London turned to terror - now survivors like me won't be forgotten

Travis Frain, then 19, was on a university trip to London when a terrorist's car hit him on March 22, 2017. The attack, carried out by Khalid Masood, killed four people and left Frain with multiple injuries, including a fractured leg that took two years to heal. Frain, now 28, has been campaigning for a national day to recognize terror victims and survivors since nearly five years ago.

The UK government has set aside Friday as the first national day for victims and survivors of terrorism, with a focus on recognizing those impacted by the attacks, including victims and their families, witnesses, and emergency services. Frain feels that recognition and memorials for terror victims often go unnoticed, but he believes it is essential to remember those who lost their lives and those affected by terrorism.

The day will also encourage people to "keep an eye on each other" and prevent terrorism. In May, the terror threat level in the UK was raised to "severe," indicating a high likelihood of an attack. A record number of 10,000 people were referred to the government's anti-terrorism scheme, Prevent, in the year to September 2025. While psychological support for victims has improved, the Survivors Against Terror (SAT) report found no progress in the state compensation scheme for terror victims.

Frain and Lisa Ghiggini, who survived the Fishmonger's Hall attack in 2019, have called for more support for survivors, including resources to build essential facilities like toilets. The chosen date for the national day, 21 August, coincides with the UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. The Home Office hopes the event will bring together survivors and make them feel recognized, rather than being a moment of accountability.